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Time Warner, Viacom Reach Zero-Hour Deal

Cable provider keeps grip on Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2009 9:57 AM CST
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(Newser) – The countdown to the New Year was a frantic one for Viacom and Time Warner. The companies had set a midnight deadline in their tense negotiations to keep Viacom’s networks—which include MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon—on the massive cable provider. As the ball dropped, Viacom granted a 1-hour extension, and the sides reached a deal soon afterward, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Time Warner said it was sorry its customers “had to endure a day of public disagreement,” during which Viacom deployed newspaper ads that featured Dora the Explorer stating its case. Viacom had been seeking a 12% fee increase, which Time Warner had balked at, citing the state of the economy.

Time Warner Customers can sing Hallelujah, because MTV shows - like the MTV New Years Special seen here - won't be going dark.
Time Warner Customers can sing Hallelujah, because MTV shows - like the MTV New Years Special seen here - won't be going dark.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
This undated publicity photo provided by Nickelodeon shows a scene from the animated series SpongeBob SquarePants
This undated publicity photo provided by Nickelodeon shows a scene from the animated series "SpongeBob SquarePants"   (AP Photo/Nickelodeon)
Colbert and company won't be going off the air for Time Warner customers thanks to a zero-hour deal.
Colbert and company won't be going off the air for Time Warner customers thanks to a zero-hour deal.   (AP Photo/Comedy Central, Kristopher Long)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Newser001
Jan 1, 2009 3:43 AM CST
While Viacom holds intellectual rights, as the developer of such programming and networks, it will likely be the consumer, who will cary the brunt of Time-Warner's fee increases. 12% is significant...

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television • Viacom • Time Warner • cable TV • MTV • Comedy Central • Nickelodeon • Time Warner Cable • Dora the Explorer

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